Two students were enjoying a first period cigarette break off campus when they saw their escape route back to school closing, potentially trapping them out. The infamous hole-gateway to off-campus lunches, cigarette breaks between classes and time away from classes was being sealed.
A small break in the fence lining the parking lot allowed several students to leave the Langley grounds for a variety of reasons during the school day. The hole, located in the parking lot fence facing the main gym, provided a pathway through a backyard to Jarvis Court. However, after several neighboring residents’ complaints, the administration decided to take action. Rising suspicions regarding students’ use of the hole to leave campus convinced administrators to seal the opening.
“The hole was brought to attention by home owners in the adjacent neighborhood. They informed us that kids were smoking and walking through their yard and then coming back,” said Safety and Security Specialist Mr. Mark Rogers.
“We heard them starting to work on the fence so we grabbed our stuff and ran out the other side onto Jarvis. We had to run all the way around to the other side of the school to get back in,” said Greg*.
According to frequent hole-users, the main offenders included a group of about 15 seniors.
“At first, there was a pretty select group of us, but then a lot of people started hearing about it.” said Greg*. “A friend showed me the hole at the beginning of the year and a bunch of us started using it during Saxon time, lunch and even classes. I mostly used it to smoke cigarettes and go get food,” he said.
Realizing the hole was no longer an option for escape was upsetting to some. “The hole made the school day so much better. It was fun to smoke down there with friends, leave for lunch and all that. It was a nice break to get me through the school day,” said Thomas*, another hole-user.
Although some students were disappointed to see the opening sealed up, the school has said that it is only acting to keep students safe.
“Our worry is that something may happen,” said Assistant Principal Corey Bowerman. “Safety and security is our primary concern.”
*Names have been changed.